History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation

This living hedge was planted in 1746 and is the tallest hedge in the world. It stands 100 ft (30m) high and spans 586 yards (539m). It is located right on the highway, so drive slowly by for best viewing.

HistoryThe hedge was planted in 1795 by the married couple Jean Mercer and Robert Nairne on the estate of the Marquess of Lansdowne at Meikleour. Tradition says that the hedge was allowed to grow upwards because Robert Nairne went off to fight at the Battle of Culloden and was killed. As a tribute, his wife Jean decided that the hedge should not be trimmed, and it was allowed to grow as high as nature would take it - which proved to be very high indeed! So the hedge acts as a living memorial to the man who helped plant it, and who so tragically died just a few short months later.

The hedge does require maintenance, and every 10 years it is carefully trimmed so it remains neat and tidy looking! The trimming is such a difficult job that it takes 4 men a full 6 weeks to finish the job. The men carefully measure the height and width of the trees and cut to maintain the current shape and size.

Pick your time of year to visit if you can; in spring the leaves are bright green with new growth, while in autumn they turn shades of red, yellow, and gold. The hedge s on the left side of the A93 road from Perth to Blairgowrie if you are driving north, or on the right if you are heading south. Be watchful; it isn't signposted, even though it is marked on most maps of the area. At the north end of the hedge (near Meikleour) there is an information panel, and there is a layby for parking at the southern end of the hedge.

About Meikleour HedgeAddress: Meikleour,
Perth,
Perthshire,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Garden
Location: On the A984/A93 near Meikleour and south of Rattray Location
map
OS: NO161388
Photo Credit: Adam Ward, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time